Omar justifies not allowing Togadia to enter J&K

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the decision to send back Pravin Togadia from Jammu airport, saying VHP leader`s hate speech had led to communal clashes in Rajouri area last year.

"For those of you wondering why Togadia was sent back, recall the situation in Rajouri after his last visit where we had communal clashes," Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Omar said the clashes were caused by the speech made by the VHP leader during his visit to the state and it had necessitated imposition of curfew for several days.

"Clashes caused only by the virulent vitriolic speeches that he made while in the state. Clashes that saw curfew clamped for days on end," he added.

Togadia was yesterday detained by the police at Jammu airport and sent back by authorities, fearing law and order disturbance.

"I was served notice by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu which said that I will not be allowed to enter Jammu as it will create law and order problem," Togadia had said.